FIELD STATION MANAGER.2.05 – AD.07

Organization: School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

SCHOOL OF ANIMAL, PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

PULLEN NATURE RESERVE, MPUMALANGA

FIELD STATION MANAGER AD.07

About Pullen Nature Reserve

Pullen Nature Reserve is a research and teaching facility located in the Savanna Biome of Mpumalanga, 35 km south-east of Mbombela in the Krokodilpoortberge. The facility serves the University's School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (APES) and provides accommodation and support for field courses, research activities, and educational programs.

The Position

To lead the transformation of Pullen Nature Reserve into a financially sustainable, nationally and internationally recognized biological field station. The Field Station Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of Pullen Nature Reserve, including facility operations, veld and wildlife management, staff supervision, academic and research support, and stakeholder relations. The position requires ensuring safe and effective facility operations for students, researchers, and visitors, and maintaining the reserve as a critical resource for field-based education and research in organismal biology, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem management.

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Honours or higher certificate in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science or related field
• At least 3 years' work-related experience
• Valid driving license
• First Aid certificate

Key Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time¿management abilities
• Strong understanding of South African conservation legislation
• Knowledge of savanna ecology, veld and fire management
• Regional knowledge of Mpumalanga lowveld biodiversity will be an added advantage
• Competence in GIS and spatial data collection for habitat monitoring and reserve management
• Ability to lead and manage others
• Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving

Key Performance Areas:

• Oversee day-to-day operations including accommodation, catering, visitor services; supervise infrastructure maintenance; ensure facility readiness; coordinate with university support services; manage booking systems; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with neighboring landowners and conservancy members; secure MOUs for access; engage with local communities; represent Pullen at forums and conferences, as appropriate.
• Develop operational budgets; implement revenue generation strategies; market Pullen to institutions; achieve financial sustainability targets.
• Develop veld management plans; control invasive plants; plan-controlled burning; monitor ecosystem health; liaise with neighbours on game management.
• Supervise, train and develop support staff; manage performance and HR matters; promote safe working practices.

Working Conditions

• Live-in position at Pullen Field Station, Mpumalanga (on-site accommodation provided)
• Irregular working hours including weekends and holidays
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• After-hours emergency response capability required
• Occasional travel to Johannesburg for meetings